Functionalized carbon nanotube microfibers for chronic neural implants

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Advancements in neural tissue-electrode interfaces are crucial for neurophysiology.
• A need exists for novel materials enabling sustainable and stable neural recordings.
• Improved materials can advance clinical applications and neuroscience research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers as implantable electrodes for long-term neural recordings in insects.
• To evaluate both untreated and functionalized CNT fibers for neural recording applications.

Main Methods:

• Dry-spun CNT fibers (untreated and functionalized) were utilized as implantable electrodes.
• Neural signals were recorded from insect preparations, including fly eyes and cockroach optic lobes.
• The suitability for low- and high-frequency neural signal components was assessed.

Main Results:

• CNT fibers demonstrated suitability for recording neural signals from insect eyes in response to light.
• Repeated recordings showed good sustainability, particularly with functionalized CNT fibers.
• Stable recordings from Madagascar hissing cockroach optic lobes were achieved for at least 8 weeks.

Conclusions:

• Functionalized CNTs present a promising material for stable, long-term neural recordings.
• These materials are essential for longitudinal studies and maintaining neural tissue interfaces.
• The insect preparation method allows for rapid, cost-effective testing of novel electrode materials.